***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[subhanalah]

Heat issues with silkies is new to me. I actually started getting silkies because I read they are heat tolerant. Hope I didn't mess that one up

I'm sending my husband to the health food store in search of vitamin E with selenium. Thanks everyone for all the info.

@nanakat I agree the book can be very confusing but I do like having it on hand. I have a couple other books I also reference, both written by her that go into more detail and mention nutritional deficiencies.

Ok-and just to make sure this question doesn't get lost: what are natural sources of vitamin e? Anything chickens like?

Years and years ago we had hatchery stock RIRs and NEVER an issue besides predators. Have I fallen in love with a fickle breed? Geez I love these silkies.

they are so sweet and cute!
I love mine!

 

[ashtree]

silkies are more prone to vitamin deficiencies, but I believe this has to do with the fact that they are kept "in" more often than other breeds who are allowed to range.
My silkier LOVE to range though, so it's really sad

Not all silkies have a vaulted skull, I believe the heat gets to them because their feathers don't provide as much insulation as regular feathers, same as how they are more sensitive to cold than normal feathered birds.

Mine are only in at night and have a well ventilated coop. They have a big run and free range with the dog in the evening. There's also a fan in the coop. So hopefully the heat isn't the issue.

 

[artsyrobin]

Quote: you can freeze jugs and put them in front of a fan for redneck ac...

 

[ashtree]

you can freeze jugs and put them in front of a fan for redneck ac...

That looks like the hang out for sure! Happy chickens!

 

[Kassaundra]

Ok, I will keep up with the drops. I couldn't find vitamin e with selenium. How essential is that to recovery? Im watching him right now, still good, going crazy on some watermelon. What is a natural source of vitamin e? I hate the torture of force feeding/drinking.
Im so confused about what wry neck is. Chicken Health Handbook describes it as only a hereditary issue. I have lots of chicks from the same breeder, none with this issue. I'm going out to see her today so I will ask if this is something she has experienced. Does this mean the chick may have health problems in the future? Or is already unhealthy?
Edited because I dont want to offend anyone

or make any enemies

Here goes my 2 cents. Most on here know I'm a cull first on most any ill health / failure to thrive type issues. I do not look down on any who choose in their flocks to treat or keep special needs birds, they are paying their feed bill they get to make those choices, just as I do here.

If this were my bird my main concern would be if it cannot use the nutrition I have available w/o special care that it will be suseptable to continued "issues" at times of stress especially. If I provide the proper food and nutrition and a single bird can't use it, I would cull not treat. If many birds have issues I would look to my nutrition source and find the problem and change it. During these stressed out times is the birds immune system compromised where it could get infected w/ other nasties and pass them on to my other birds (I think possible and likely personally) Is this genetics I want to promote in my flock??? (no is my answer) My personal ideas are failure to thrive under my husbandry, in our climate means culling, not pampering.

If someone wants to treat all the more power to them, I truly to the bottom of my toenails wish and hope for the best for them and their birds. And would give my best effort answers to help them in that situation.

 

[Kassaundra]

There's an antique caponizing set on okc Craigslist. No idea if its worth the cost but thought I'd mention it. I'm having mobile issues so can't link it at the moment.

I wouldn't spend any money on any except the Chinese set, it really truly is far superior to anything I have seen out there. Many on the caponizing thread agree on that point too. Those of us that started w/ those sets or pieced together various human and vet tools then switched to the Chinese set have all said it is night and day difference.

 

[Kassaundra]

Heat issues with silkies is new to me. I actually started getting silkies because I read they are heat tolerant. Hope I didn't mess that one up

I'm sending my husband to the health food store in search of vitamin E with selenium. Thanks everyone for all the info.

@nanakat I agree the book can be very confusing but I do like having it on hand. I have a couple other books I also reference, both written by her that go into more detail and mention nutritional deficiencies.

Ok-and just to make sure this question doesn't get lost: what are natural sources of vitamin e? Anything chickens like?

Years and years ago we had hatchery stock RIRs and NEVER an issue besides predators. Have I fallen in love with a fickle breed? Geez I love these silkies.

This isn't a "natural source" but I would cut the vit e capsule open and squeeze contents onto a piece of bread, never seen a chicken turn down bread.\

Copied this

1. Almonds

Almonds are one the best vitamin E foods. Just an ounce of almonds offers a whopping 7.4 milligrams of vitamin E. You can also get your vitamin E needs in the form of almond milk and almond oils. We would recommend eating raw almonds, if possible.

2. Raw Seeds

Select raw seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin and sesame, are another common food with vitamin E. In fact, eating just ¼ of a cup of sunflower seeds gives you 90.5% of your recommended daily value, making them one of the best vitamin E foods you can eat daily.

3. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is easily one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat on a daily basis. Commonly known to be high in vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C, Swiss chard is another food high in vitamin E. Just one cup of boiled swiss chard greens will provide you with almost 17% of your daily recommended values.

4. Mustard Greens
Similar to swiss chard, mustard greens are very nutrient dense and will provide a variety of health benefits. Not only are they one of the best vitamin E foods, but mustard greens are also high in vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and vitamin c. Eating just one cup of boiled mustard greens contains about 14% of your daily dietary requirements. We would recommend eating organic mustard greens, if possible.

5. Spinach

Spinach may not be your favorite veggie, but it is one of the best leafy greens you can add to your diet. Not only is it one of the best calcium foods and naturally high in folate, it’s also one of the best vitamin E foods as well. Just one cup of boiled spinach will provide you with approximately 20% of your daily needs. Try adding fresh spinach to your sandwiches to make them extra healthy.

6. Turnip Greens

While turnip greens may have a slightly bitter taste, they are very high in many essential nutrients. Like the rest of the leafy greens on this list, just one cup will provide you with plenty of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate. Not to mention approximately 12% of your daily requirements of vitamin E.

7. Kale

Kale is another great cruciferous vegetable you should eat as often as possible. Kale is very high in many nutrients, in fact, just one cup of boiled kale can give you almost 6% of your daily vitamin E requirements. We would recommend eating organic kale, if possible.
8. Plant oils

Most plant seed oils are very good sources for Vitamin E as well. The best oil with vitamin E is Wheat germ oil. In fact, one tablespoon of this oil holds 100% of your daily Vitamin E requirements. Sunflower oil is another excellent option, as it provides over 5 mg of the vitamin, and can easily be be used for cooking. Other great Vitamin-E-rich oils include hempseed oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil (with almost 5 mg of vitamin E), olive oil and safflower oil. We would recommend only buying oils that are cold pressed unrefined and organic.

9. Hazelnuts

A perfect snack during a long workday, eating just one ounce of hazelnuts can provide you with approximately 20% of our daily requirements of vitamin E. For an alternative to eating nuts, try drinking hazelnut milk in your morning coffee instead of milk or flavored creamer.

10. Pine Nuts

Add an ounce of these nuts to anything you please! One serving contains 2.6 mg of vitamin E. You can also use pine nut oil for added health benefits.

11. Avocado

Perhaps one of the tastiest foods with Vitamin E, avocados represent natures creamiest, oil-rich food. Just half of an avocado holds more than 2 mg of vitamin E. Avocados are very easy to incorporate into your diet. We would recommend adding sliced avocados to your salad, a sandwich, or mashed up as guacamole!

12. Broccoli

For generations now, broccoli has been considered one of the best detox foods, but it’s also one of the healthiest foods high in Vitamin E. Just one cup of steamed broccoli will provide you with 4% of your daily requirements. Broccoli may not be as nutrient dense as other Vitamin E foods on this list, but it is definitely one of the healthiest foods you can eat daily.

13. Parsley

An excellent spice, parsley is another great Vitamin E food. Try adding fresh parsley to salads and dishes for an extra Vitamin-E kick. Dried parsley will also provide you with this important vitamin, but the fresher the better.

14. Papaya

This popular fruit is most commonly known as one of the best vitamin C foods, but it’s also high in Vitamin E. Just one papaya will give you approximately 17% of your daily needs. Try adding fresh or frozen papaya to fruit smoothies, along with other fruity vitamin E foods on this list for an extra healthy snack!

15. Olives

From the oil to the fruit, eating olives is an excellent way of getting your daily needs for vitamin E. Just one cup of olives can give you approximately 20% of your daily recommended amount.
These are just a few examples of foods with vitamin E. There are plenty more that aren’t listed here. Which vitamin E food is your favorite? Let’s hear your thoughts below.

 

[ashtree]

Here goes my 2 cents.  Most on here know I'm a cull first on most any ill health / failure to thrive type issues.  I do not look down on any who choose in their flocks to treat or keep special needs birds, they are paying their feed bill they get to make those choices, just as I do here.

If this were my bird my main concern would be if it cannot use the nutrition I have available w/o special care that it will be suseptable to continued "issues" at times of stress especially.  If I provide the proper food and nutrition and a single bird can't use it, I would cull not treat.  If many birds have issues I would look to my nutrition source and find the problem and change it.  During these stressed out times is the birds immune system compromised where it could get infected w/ other nasties and pass them on to my other birds (I think possible and likely personally)  Is this genetics I want to promote in my flock???  (no is my answer)  My personal ideas are failure to thrive under my husbandry, in our climate means culling, not pampering.

If someone wants to treat all the more power to them, I truly to the bottom of my toenails wish and hope for the best for them and their birds.  And would give my best effort answers to help them in that situation.

Ok. This answers exactly what I was too afraid to ask. Had I felt this was contagious I most likely would have culled right away. I think my husband was shocked I didn't. I too respect other folks choices to handle situations differently. Seeing as how he has (fingers crossed) bounced back I'm going to hope it was just a minor injury.
I figure as long as the kids and I can go without a/c the chickens can too. But I do want to make sure it's not a fault of mine that has caused this. I'll keep a close eye on all the girls.
Thank you for responding. I think I've been waiting to hear your take on it all morning.

 

[ashtree]

This isn't a "natural source" but I would cut the vit e capsule open and squeeze contents onto a piece of bread, never seen a chicken turn down bread.\ Copied this
1. Almonds

Almonds are one the best vitamin E foods. Just an ounce of almonds offers a whopping 7.4 milligrams of vitamin E. You can also get your vitamin E needs in the form of almond milk and almond oils. We would recommend eating raw almonds, if possible.

2. Raw Seeds

Select [COLOR=0066CC]raw seeds[/COLOR], such as sunflower, [COLOR=0066CC]pumpkin[/COLOR] and sesame, are another common food with vitamin E. In fact, eating just ¼ of a cup of sunflower seeds gives you 90.5% of your recommended daily value, making them one of the best vitamin E foods you can eat daily.

3. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is easily one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat on a daily basis. Commonly known to be high in vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C, Swiss chard is another food high in vitamin E. Just one cup of boiled swiss chard greens will provide you with almost 17% of your daily recommended values.

4. Mustard Greens Similar to swiss chard, mustard greens are very nutrient dense and will provide a variety of health benefits. Not only are they one of the best vitamin E foods, but mustard greens are also high in vitamin K, vitamin A, [COLOR=0066CC]folate[/COLOR], and vitamin c. Eating just one cup of boiled mustard greens contains about 14% of your daily dietary requirements. We would recommend eating organic mustard greens, if possible.

5. Spinach

Spinach may not be your favorite veggie, but it is one of the best leafy greens you can add to your diet. Not only is it one of the [COLOR=0066CC]best calcium foods[/COLOR] and naturally high in folate, it’s also one of the best vitamin E foods as well. Just one cup of boiled spinach will provide you with approximately 20% of your daily needs. Try adding fresh spinach to your sandwiches to make them extra healthy.

6. Turnip Greens

While turnip greens may have a slightly bitter taste, they are very high in many essential nutrients. Like the rest of the leafy greens on this list, just one cup will provide you with plenty of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate. Not to mention approximately 12% of your daily requirements of vitamin E.

7. Kale

Kale is another great cruciferous vegetable you should eat as often as possible. Kale is very high in many nutrients, in fact, just one cup of boiled kale can give you almost 6% of your daily vitamin E requirements. We would recommend eating organic kale, if possible.
8. Plant oils

Most plant seed oils are very good sources for Vitamin E as well. The best oil with vitamin E is Wheat germ oil. In fact, one tablespoon of this oil holds 100% of your daily Vitamin E requirements. Sunflower oil is another excellent option, as it provides over 5 mg of the vitamin, and can easily be be used for cooking. Other great Vitamin-E-rich oils include hempseed oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil (with almost 5 mg of vitamin E), [COLOR=0066CC]olive oil[/COLOR] and safflower oil. We would recommend only buying oils that are cold pressed unrefined and organic.

9. Hazelnuts

A perfect snack during a long workday, eating just one ounce of hazelnuts can provide you with approximately 20% of our daily requirements of vitamin E. For an alternative to eating nuts, try drinking hazelnut milk in your morning coffee instead of milk or flavored creamer.

10. Pine Nuts

Add an ounce of these nuts to anything you please! One serving contains 2.6 mg of vitamin E. You can also use [COLOR=0066CC]pine nut oil[/COLOR] for added health benefits.

11. Avocado

Perhaps one of the tastiest foods with Vitamin E, avocados represent natures creamiest, oil-rich food. Just half of an avocado holds more than 2 mg of vitamin E. Avocados are very easy to incorporate into your diet. We would recommend adding sliced avocados to your salad, a sandwich, or mashed up as guacamole!

12. Broccoli

For generations now, broccoli has been considered one of the [COLOR=0066CC]best detox foods[/COLOR], but it’s also one of the healthiest foods high in Vitamin E. Just one cup of steamed broccoli will provide you with 4% of your daily requirements. Broccoli may not be as nutrient dense as other Vitamin E foods on this list, but it is definitely one of the healthiest foods you can eat daily.

13. Parsley

An excellent spice, parsley is another great Vitamin E food. Try adding fresh parsley to salads and dishes for an extra Vitamin-E kick. Dried parsley will also provide you with this important vitamin, but the fresher the better.

14. Papaya

This popular fruit is most commonly known as one of the best [COLOR=0066CC]vitamin C foods[/COLOR], but it’s also high in Vitamin E. Just one papaya will give you approximately 17% of your daily needs. Try adding fresh or frozen papaya to fruit smoothies, along with other fruity vitamin E foods on this list for an extra healthy snack!

15. Olives

From the oil to the fruit, eating olives is an excellent way of getting your daily needs for vitamin E. Just one cup of olives can give you approximately 20% of your daily recommended amount. These are just a few examples of foods with vitamin E. There are plenty more that aren’t listed here. Which vitamin E food is your favorite? Let’s hear your thoughts below.

This is great thank you. I feel confident they have been getting enough E. lots of sunflower seeds and parsley and spinach from the garden. And since turnips are my absolute favorite food they get lots of turnip greens. Ok I'm off to talk to the breeder to make sure this isn't potentially a genetic issue.

 

[Cjarvis]

Hello everyone! My mom (Free2bme2798) says that you all might be able to help me figure out what is going on with my flock. It's always the same thing:

• the middle toe on one of the bird's feet will go numb
• then the whole foot
• then the whole leg
• the the bird will either die or I will kill it

So far I have lost 3 birds to this and I'm trying to save the 4th. I always clean the coop in between the deaths and there is typically a period of one to three weeks between one bird dying and the next showing symptoms. I'm worried that I am going to lose my entire flock to this one bird at a time so any help that you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

A necropsy might be very helpful, if this occurring more with the pullets than the cockerels at time of maturity it may well be Avian Leucosis. This is often seen in pullets at point of lay, but can and does affect the males at about the same age. This is often presented as a neurological problem and presents similar to the onset of Mareks. The state will preform a necropsy to confirm the diagnosis and allow you to move forward and treat according.